Episode 7
“Alright, alright. Yes, yes. Faith Standish is still alive. Oh man Mother you have a terrific right hook.” Said Adam rubbing his chin.
“How could you do this to me?! I was thinking of Grace and I realized that my memories were slightly altered. I seem to remember seeing a figure out of the corner of my eye pull Faith out of the burning house. I ran around the side of the house to get a better look but couldn’t find anyone. Just then the roof caved in I heard sirens blaring and I had to leave. All these years I told myself I had imagined it but that was you wasn’t it?”
“Yes I did it during the time shift.”
“How could you do this to me?!
“There were so many things that I wanted to fix during the time shift.”
“THIS…! Didn’t need ‘fixing’!”
“I Thought…”
“No you didn’t think! Where is she?!”
“I don’t think I should tell you.”
“Adam Murgatroid Bombay!!!”
“I took her to the hospital in Castleton. She’s been there in a coma ever since.”
Tabby sat down on the sofa. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to try to kill her. What difference would it make now anyway? The Darkside has abandoned me. I get that. It’s just that Evil has been my life’s mission. It’s going to take a while to get used my new standing in the world.
“Mother I know that you’ve killed hundreds of people over the years.”
“Thousands.”
“This was the only one that I actually witnessed, albeit only as part of a soap opera but I knew it was real; if I could remove this one blot off your name.”
“It just wasn’t your place.”
“Maybe not, but I wouldn’t take it back even if I could.”
“Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
“Well, there is one thing, but I promise I had nothing to do with it. When you and Julian Crane conceived Endora you passed enough of your magic energy to him so that he remembers some things that a normal mortal wouldn’t. He doesn’t remember everything about the time shift like we do, but he remembers that you and Endora are witches.”
“Hell’s Bells.”
“What is it?”
“How should I know?”
Heckuba and Eustace were standing on the bank of an underground river looking at a device that seemed to be pumping some kind of chemical into the water.
“Isn’t this the river that feeds into the Harmony reservoir?”
The rabbit had disappeared into the cave and Sarah had followed it in. Marty had had no choice but to follow her. Heckuba and the Demon Elf had stayed outside and waited.
Eustace surreptitiously watched Heckuba’s face. She was obviously concerned for the girl, she thought of as her daughter. He wondered if she realized how attached she was to Sarah. It seemed to him that she would be loathed to admit how much she had in common with Tabitha. And this made him wonder again how much Sarah had in common with Endora.
Several minutes later, the kids had come out and had taken off in the direction of the town. Heckuba told him that they should let them go, stay here and investigate the cave.
“I said…”
“I heard what you said and I believe you’re correct. This is the river that supplies Harmony with its drinking water. We need to get a sample of this so the boys in the lab can analyze it. ” Heckuba took a vial from her cloak and held it under the chemical stream. She filled another vial with river water.
“We have a lab?”
Heckuba just shook her head.
“Hey look.” Said Eustace. “There’s a logo on the side of the pump. Let’s see… Neppos Industries. Never heard of it.”
Theresa left Spike’s table and joined Jessica and Simone at the front counter. Spike beat a hasty retreat down the back stairs and into one of Alistair’s many tunnels that honeycombed the town.
“My word, Marty, where have you been? Asked Theresa. “Luis and Sheridan have been looking for you for months.”
“I was with Spike and his goons.”
Theresa shot a look back at the table.
“Too late.” Said Jessica. “I guess he knew what was coming.”
“Well, we’ll just have to deal with him later. Come here you.” Theresa said to Marty.
“I’ve missed you Aunt Theresa.”
Theresa gave Marty a big hug and spotted Sarah over his shoulder.
“And who is this?”
“Oh, this is my new friend Sarah.” Marty quickly explained his adventure with Sarah to Jessica, Simone, and his aunt; including Heckuba springing him from the safe house.
“My dad or Chief Bennett should go take a look at that pump don’t you think?”
“Yes, we will certainly let them know about it but I just remembered you said something about Beth. I think you should know that no one has seen or heard from either your Grandfather or Beth since they boarded that train.”
“I know it’s a horrible thing to say, but I’m glad they’re gone.” Said Marty.
“Don’t feel bad. They were very sick people.”
Marty noticed that Sarah had a funny look on her face. “What’s wrong Sarah?”
“It’s just that that woman you described sounds a lot like my Mother.”
“What’s her name honey?” Asked Simone.
“Her name is Heckuba, she only has one name but I have three: Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop.
All three women’s faces went ashen.
*
*
*
End of Episode 7
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Episode 6: In Which Tabby Refuses to be a Short Order Cook, Jessica and Simone Open the Book Cafe and Theresa Orders a Muffin and Coffee
Episode 6
“I certainly hope you lot don’t expect me to prepare breakfast for you.
Tabitha had just come down the back stairs with Endora, only to find all her boarders (except for Fox who had decided, despite Essme’s tempting offer to stay in her room indefinitely, to reclaim his room at the mansion) were seated around the kitchen table.
“Especially since I see Derwood is back among us.”
“Good morning to you too, Tabby.” Said Miguel.
“And Miguel has decided to let all us witches practice our magic.” Put in Kay
“Well isn’t that just bloody marvelous.” Said Tabby with an acid tongue. “I have permission to perform magic in my own bloody house.”
“See, I told you she’d be thrilled.” Said Kay to Miguel.
“Endora? Do you recognize me?” Asked Adam.
“You’re my big brother Adam.” Said Endora’s thought bubble. She ran over and hugged him.
“Well, Edna and Norma I’m surprised to see you two. Shouldn’t you still be roasting in hell at this point?” Observed Tabby.
“Don’t ask us Tabs, we woke up this morning cozy as two June bugs in our old room.” Said Norma as she threw her arm around Edna.
“And in our old bed; if you know what I mean.” Snorted Edna.
“Yes well you can spare me the gory details.” Said Tabby
“Adam explained the time shift to us though.” Added Norma.
“It must have something to do with the Boys vacating the basement last night.” Offered Adam.
“No doubt the Boys no longer feel they can trust me.”
“I hadn’t thought of that but it does make sense that they would want to move to a more secure base of operation.”
“All I’m concerned about is they never get their hands on my little Sweet Pea here.” She pulled Endora close to her.
“All of us will just have to be on guard.”
“So, you’ve decided to stay in Harmony then?’
“Yes Mother, for the foreseeable future.”
“You can count on me Tabby.” Chimed in Essme “I mean about being on guard and all. It just feels so good to be a part of a big happy family for a change.”
“I’d hate to see your version of an unhappy family.” Said Tabitha. “And if you’re really going to be staying here, we need to have a little talk Missy.”
“No problemo.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Oh my gosh, I just thought of something if this is the last week in 2006, that means that next week My Mom will try to come home and be blown up.” Said Kay.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me about this last night but you have nothing to worry about. With both Alistair and Vincent neutralized, your Mother will have a safe trip home.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to see her after all this time….But wait does she know about what Ivy did and that I kept it from her and Dad?”
“No, in this timeline you never blurted out the truth. Whether it stays that way is up to you.”
“So, Grace is coming back to Harmony.” Said Tabitha wistfully. Suddenly her eyes went wide but no one else in the room noticed. “Oh my devil, he couldn’t have.” She muttered under her breath. “Adam, can I have a word with you in the living room.”
“Sure Mother.”
“Tabitha, is something wrong?” Asked Kay.
“No, no Dear. It’s just that I haven’t seen Adam in so long. I wanted a chance to catch up with him privately.”
Moments later in said living room:
“Is there a problem Mother?”
“You impudent little brat!!” and Tabby whirled and slapped Adam across the face. “How dare you! You saved Faith for that fire all those years ago. She’s still alive!!!”
Jessica and Simone were minding the store at the Book Café, when Spike walked in and seated himself at a table.
“Uhg, we have got to try to attract a better clientele.” Said Jessica
“Isn’t that…?”
“Spike, one of Alistair’s goons. Can you believe that moron actually thought I would turn to drugs after I moved out of my dad’s house?”
“You were going through a rough time there for a while.”
“Yeah I guess so, but there was no way I was falling for his garbage. Ever since then it’s like he has a crush on me or something.”
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“He comes in here almost everyday, mostly when it’s just me watching the store. I can almost set my watch by it. Hey, isn’t this Chad and Whitney’s wedding day? What are you doing here?”
“I thought I would skip the wedding and just show up at the reception. I’ve given Whit so much grief with Chad over the years.”
“But you’re over Chad. Hello, you’re living with Rea.”
“Yes, but I still feel funny about it.”
“Hi guys.
“Good morning Theresa.” Said Jessica. “What can we…”
“I’m looking for…never mind I see him…tell you what can you bring me a muffin and some coffee?”
Theresa walked over to Spike’s table. “Alright you have five minutes. I can’t believe I’m seeing you at all; let alone on the day my best friend is getting married.”
“I just wanted to put your mind at ease. Alistair is really gone this time.”
“You called me all the way down here to tell me that?”
“Well…Yeah. I know that everyone has assumed that he was killed in the explosion. But I thought if you heard it from me, you would know it’s true.”
“Am I supposed to laugh now?”
“It’s just that…I’m in a position to know.”
“Oh, I know what position you’re in.”
“Speaking of positions…”
“I get it now; you’re looking for a job.”
“Well technically…I already work for the company. I just thought it might be a good time to change divisions.”
“Now you’re really going to make me laugh.”
“I know Alistair’s operations inside and out. I could help you weed his influence out of the company.”
“Well if Alistair is gone like you say, he doesn’t have any more influence in the company. I’m sorry Spike; I just don’t have any more time for you today or ever.”
“Wait…Wait, I know where he’s been hiding your brother Antonio!”
“Antonio’s still alive?!” Asked Theresa suddenly very interested. But just then Marty and Sarah burst through the Book Café’s front door.
“Jessica, Simone.” Marty said in a rush. “We found something important in a cave not far from town. I need to talk to my Mother or Beth or my dad, Luis.” Marty was already breathing hard but when he caught sight of Spike he started to tremble.
*
*
*
End of Episode 6
“I certainly hope you lot don’t expect me to prepare breakfast for you.
Tabitha had just come down the back stairs with Endora, only to find all her boarders (except for Fox who had decided, despite Essme’s tempting offer to stay in her room indefinitely, to reclaim his room at the mansion) were seated around the kitchen table.
“Especially since I see Derwood is back among us.”
“Good morning to you too, Tabby.” Said Miguel.
“And Miguel has decided to let all us witches practice our magic.” Put in Kay
“Well isn’t that just bloody marvelous.” Said Tabby with an acid tongue. “I have permission to perform magic in my own bloody house.”
“See, I told you she’d be thrilled.” Said Kay to Miguel.
“Endora? Do you recognize me?” Asked Adam.
“You’re my big brother Adam.” Said Endora’s thought bubble. She ran over and hugged him.
“Well, Edna and Norma I’m surprised to see you two. Shouldn’t you still be roasting in hell at this point?” Observed Tabby.
“Don’t ask us Tabs, we woke up this morning cozy as two June bugs in our old room.” Said Norma as she threw her arm around Edna.
“And in our old bed; if you know what I mean.” Snorted Edna.
“Yes well you can spare me the gory details.” Said Tabby
“Adam explained the time shift to us though.” Added Norma.
“It must have something to do with the Boys vacating the basement last night.” Offered Adam.
“No doubt the Boys no longer feel they can trust me.”
“I hadn’t thought of that but it does make sense that they would want to move to a more secure base of operation.”
“All I’m concerned about is they never get their hands on my little Sweet Pea here.” She pulled Endora close to her.
“All of us will just have to be on guard.”
“So, you’ve decided to stay in Harmony then?’
“Yes Mother, for the foreseeable future.”
“You can count on me Tabby.” Chimed in Essme “I mean about being on guard and all. It just feels so good to be a part of a big happy family for a change.”
“I’d hate to see your version of an unhappy family.” Said Tabitha. “And if you’re really going to be staying here, we need to have a little talk Missy.”
“No problemo.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Oh my gosh, I just thought of something if this is the last week in 2006, that means that next week My Mom will try to come home and be blown up.” Said Kay.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me about this last night but you have nothing to worry about. With both Alistair and Vincent neutralized, your Mother will have a safe trip home.”
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to see her after all this time….But wait does she know about what Ivy did and that I kept it from her and Dad?”
“No, in this timeline you never blurted out the truth. Whether it stays that way is up to you.”
“So, Grace is coming back to Harmony.” Said Tabitha wistfully. Suddenly her eyes went wide but no one else in the room noticed. “Oh my devil, he couldn’t have.” She muttered under her breath. “Adam, can I have a word with you in the living room.”
“Sure Mother.”
“Tabitha, is something wrong?” Asked Kay.
“No, no Dear. It’s just that I haven’t seen Adam in so long. I wanted a chance to catch up with him privately.”
Moments later in said living room:
“Is there a problem Mother?”
“You impudent little brat!!” and Tabby whirled and slapped Adam across the face. “How dare you! You saved Faith for that fire all those years ago. She’s still alive!!!”
Jessica and Simone were minding the store at the Book Café, when Spike walked in and seated himself at a table.
“Uhg, we have got to try to attract a better clientele.” Said Jessica
“Isn’t that…?”
“Spike, one of Alistair’s goons. Can you believe that moron actually thought I would turn to drugs after I moved out of my dad’s house?”
“You were going through a rough time there for a while.”
“Yeah I guess so, but there was no way I was falling for his garbage. Ever since then it’s like he has a crush on me or something.”
“I hadn’t noticed.”
“He comes in here almost everyday, mostly when it’s just me watching the store. I can almost set my watch by it. Hey, isn’t this Chad and Whitney’s wedding day? What are you doing here?”
“I thought I would skip the wedding and just show up at the reception. I’ve given Whit so much grief with Chad over the years.”
“But you’re over Chad. Hello, you’re living with Rea.”
“Yes, but I still feel funny about it.”
“Hi guys.
“Good morning Theresa.” Said Jessica. “What can we…”
“I’m looking for…never mind I see him…tell you what can you bring me a muffin and some coffee?”
Theresa walked over to Spike’s table. “Alright you have five minutes. I can’t believe I’m seeing you at all; let alone on the day my best friend is getting married.”
“I just wanted to put your mind at ease. Alistair is really gone this time.”
“You called me all the way down here to tell me that?”
“Well…Yeah. I know that everyone has assumed that he was killed in the explosion. But I thought if you heard it from me, you would know it’s true.”
“Am I supposed to laugh now?”
“It’s just that…I’m in a position to know.”
“Oh, I know what position you’re in.”
“Speaking of positions…”
“I get it now; you’re looking for a job.”
“Well technically…I already work for the company. I just thought it might be a good time to change divisions.”
“Now you’re really going to make me laugh.”
“I know Alistair’s operations inside and out. I could help you weed his influence out of the company.”
“Well if Alistair is gone like you say, he doesn’t have any more influence in the company. I’m sorry Spike; I just don’t have any more time for you today or ever.”
“Wait…Wait, I know where he’s been hiding your brother Antonio!”
“Antonio’s still alive?!” Asked Theresa suddenly very interested. But just then Marty and Sarah burst through the Book Café’s front door.
“Jessica, Simone.” Marty said in a rush. “We found something important in a cave not far from town. I need to talk to my Mother or Beth or my dad, Luis.” Marty was already breathing hard but when he caught sight of Spike he started to tremble.
*
*
*
End of Episode 6
Friday, September 12, 2008
Episode 5: In Which Adam Makes a Long Distance Call Marty Attends a Picnic And Sarah Chases a Bunny
Episode 5
The sun was coming up, but Adam had not slept very well.
He couldn’t stop thinking about what his Father had said, and there was only one person he wanted to talk to about it. He just hoped he could afford it because it meant making a very long distance call.
“Is this who I think it is?”
“Well, if you think it’s Adam Bombay you would be correct.” Once again Adam found himself unfolding the details of the time shift, this time to the person on the other end of the phone.
“So, your Father thinks you’ve fallen in love with this… What was her name again?”
“Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“She sounds like a rich bi- -.”
“Hey, Hey!”
“Sorry, I just call ‘em as I see ‘em.”
“I remember.”
“Well are you?”
“Am I what?”
“In love with this mortal?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been ticking things off in my head all night long. First, I sent JT Cornell, the only man who could corroborate Theresa’s story, packing. Then I destroyed his USB device.”
“And that protects the Lopez-Fitzgerald family from this Juanita Vasquez person?”
“Yes, but it also contained evidence of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes.”
“Then, you also said you had made a replica of a video camera. How does that help?”
“Well I had hoped that it would be just the proof Theresa needed but I realize now that there’s a problem. The confession that was captured on it covers ALL of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes even the ones that happened AFTER the time shift. There would no way of explaining this to Ethan. And then there’s something else. Last night, when I couldn’t sleep, I made an extensive search of the court records in Las Vegas. There was no record of Gwen being married to anyone as Rebecca had claimed. It appeared that her marriage to Ethan was legal after all.”
“But Adam, none of this is really your problem. I can see why your Father was so concerned.”
“I tried to help everyone during the time shift and I really thought I was helping Theresa. I thought that I was working to bring Ethan and Theresa together, but most of what I accomplished seems to ensure that they will remain apart. Oh Erin what am I going to do?”
“You know you’re the only one who calls me that.”
“Well you do have the same name as my Mother.”
“And you have the same name as my brother.”
“Yes, and now my little sister is named after your Grandmother. Thanks for listening to me Tabitha Stephens.”
“Anytime, I just wish I could have been more of a help to you.”
“You were an immense help believe me. Erin, do you ever wonder what would have happened if we had stayed together after college?”
“We would have had some very confusing family reunions…Yes; the thought has crossed my mind. I don’t know what to tell you Adam.”
“Well thanks again for listening.”
“Adam if you are in love with this mortal I wish luck, but what do you plan to do?”
“I really don’t know.”
Marty had had a very busy morning.
When he woke up, the tallest woman he had ever seen was standing over his bed. She told him to get dressed and to collect anything he wanted to take with him because she was taking him with her. After he had slipped into a pair of jeans and a turtle neck sweater, he filled a bag with a few of his toys. The woman told him to take her hand and to his surprise, they walked right through his bedroom wall but instead of coming out in the alley just outside the house where he was being kept, he realized that somehow they had been transported to the middle of a field.
“We’re just outside of town.” She pointed to a line of trees. “I want you to wait over there.” And before Marty could say anything, Heckuba waved her arms and vanished.
Marty didn’t know what to do. He started walking in the general direction Heckuba had pointed.
Suddenly he heard a little girl’s voice say “Hello is anyone here? I’m scared. I don’t know where my mommy went.” She came out from behind one of the trees.
Marty waved. “Um I don’t know if I can help you but I’m over here.”
The little girl ran up to him. “What’s your name?” She asked.
“Marty Crane…I mean…That’s what my Grandfather called me…I hate my Grandfather! My real name is Marty Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
She giggled. “I like that. We both have three names. My name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop. Why do you hate your Grandfather?”
“Because, he’s a very bad man.”
“I’ve never met my Grandfather. I’ve met my uncle though. His name is Eustace and he’s so funny.”
Marty was worried that Spike might jump out of the bushes at any moment and drag him back to his room (he suddenly wondered what he would do to Sarah if he found her with him). Maybe Spike had attacked Sarah’s Mother.
“Do you and your mother live in Harmony?” He asked Sarah.
“We live near Harmony.”
“Do you live in Castleton?”
“I’ve never heard of that place.”
“Well, where were you when your Mother disappeared?”
“Right over there under those trees. We were having a picnic. Oh, we still have some food left are you hungry?”
Marty realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast and was starving. He was still concerned about Spike but he let Sarah lead him to a blanket where what seemed to him a ton of food had been laid out. He sat down on the blanket and grabbed several sandwiches. Sarah sat next to him. He felt better with a full stomach.
“I’m sure your Mother will be back soon. But if she’s not, someone told me that the town is right over there in that direction. You can come with me and help me find my Mother. Then maybe she can help you find yours.”
“That would be great Marty!” And she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Marty blushed.
Suddenly a rabbit scampered across the clearing. “A bunny!!!” Sarah squealed in delight. She jumped up and chased after it.
Marty ran after her. “Sarah! Come back it might be dangerous out here.”
Marty might not have been so concerned if he had known that just the night before, Spike had decided that it was time to let him go. He no longer had the money to pay the goons it took to watch the kid. Imagine his surprise when he showed up at the safe house and found Marty already gone. Standing in the doorway to Marty’s bedroom, he just had to laugh. He found himself tapping out a not so familiar number on his cell.
“Yes, this is Spike and I need to talk to you. Can you meet me at the Book Café?”
Heckuba and “Uncle” Eustace had been watching the kids from the next clearing.
“Ooh, it looks like Sarah has a crush on Marty.”
“That can be nipped in the bud when the time comes.”
“So, you pulled Marty out of stir so he would take Sarah to Sheridan? Hm, but why would you need to do that, if the kid's in on it?”
“Would you just zip it! We need to be concentrating on what the kids are doing.”
“You mean the rabbit’s not part of the plan?”
“No you dolt; the rabbit is not part of the plan.”
“But why go to all this trouble if the kid’s in on it all we had to do was drop her on Sheridan’s door step… Oh my Merciful Hellions! She’s NOT in on it is she?”
The rabbit had stopped short of a cave and Sarah was closing in on it with Marty not far behind.
“She doesn’t even know that Gwen is her real Mother!”
“I am her REAL MOTHER! Now if you don’t shut your mouth this instant I will shut it for you!”
Eustace prudently didn’t give voice to his next thought: “I’ll bet Sarah has even more in common with Endora: Sarah is a GOOD WITCH!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 5
The sun was coming up, but Adam had not slept very well.
He couldn’t stop thinking about what his Father had said, and there was only one person he wanted to talk to about it. He just hoped he could afford it because it meant making a very long distance call.
“Is this who I think it is?”
“Well, if you think it’s Adam Bombay you would be correct.” Once again Adam found himself unfolding the details of the time shift, this time to the person on the other end of the phone.
“So, your Father thinks you’ve fallen in love with this… What was her name again?”
“Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
“She sounds like a rich bi- -.”
“Hey, Hey!”
“Sorry, I just call ‘em as I see ‘em.”
“I remember.”
“Well are you?”
“Am I what?”
“In love with this mortal?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been ticking things off in my head all night long. First, I sent JT Cornell, the only man who could corroborate Theresa’s story, packing. Then I destroyed his USB device.”
“And that protects the Lopez-Fitzgerald family from this Juanita Vasquez person?”
“Yes, but it also contained evidence of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes.”
“Then, you also said you had made a replica of a video camera. How does that help?”
“Well I had hoped that it would be just the proof Theresa needed but I realize now that there’s a problem. The confession that was captured on it covers ALL of Gwen and Rebecca’s crimes even the ones that happened AFTER the time shift. There would no way of explaining this to Ethan. And then there’s something else. Last night, when I couldn’t sleep, I made an extensive search of the court records in Las Vegas. There was no record of Gwen being married to anyone as Rebecca had claimed. It appeared that her marriage to Ethan was legal after all.”
“But Adam, none of this is really your problem. I can see why your Father was so concerned.”
“I tried to help everyone during the time shift and I really thought I was helping Theresa. I thought that I was working to bring Ethan and Theresa together, but most of what I accomplished seems to ensure that they will remain apart. Oh Erin what am I going to do?”
“You know you’re the only one who calls me that.”
“Well you do have the same name as my Mother.”
“And you have the same name as my brother.”
“Yes, and now my little sister is named after your Grandmother. Thanks for listening to me Tabitha Stephens.”
“Anytime, I just wish I could have been more of a help to you.”
“You were an immense help believe me. Erin, do you ever wonder what would have happened if we had stayed together after college?”
“We would have had some very confusing family reunions…Yes; the thought has crossed my mind. I don’t know what to tell you Adam.”
“Well thanks again for listening.”
“Adam if you are in love with this mortal I wish luck, but what do you plan to do?”
“I really don’t know.”
Marty had had a very busy morning.
When he woke up, the tallest woman he had ever seen was standing over his bed. She told him to get dressed and to collect anything he wanted to take with him because she was taking him with her. After he had slipped into a pair of jeans and a turtle neck sweater, he filled a bag with a few of his toys. The woman told him to take her hand and to his surprise, they walked right through his bedroom wall but instead of coming out in the alley just outside the house where he was being kept, he realized that somehow they had been transported to the middle of a field.
“We’re just outside of town.” She pointed to a line of trees. “I want you to wait over there.” And before Marty could say anything, Heckuba waved her arms and vanished.
Marty didn’t know what to do. He started walking in the general direction Heckuba had pointed.
Suddenly he heard a little girl’s voice say “Hello is anyone here? I’m scared. I don’t know where my mommy went.” She came out from behind one of the trees.
Marty waved. “Um I don’t know if I can help you but I’m over here.”
The little girl ran up to him. “What’s your name?” She asked.
“Marty Crane…I mean…That’s what my Grandfather called me…I hate my Grandfather! My real name is Marty Lopez-Fitzgerald.”
She giggled. “I like that. We both have three names. My name is Sarah Hotchkiss-Winthrop. Why do you hate your Grandfather?”
“Because, he’s a very bad man.”
“I’ve never met my Grandfather. I’ve met my uncle though. His name is Eustace and he’s so funny.”
Marty was worried that Spike might jump out of the bushes at any moment and drag him back to his room (he suddenly wondered what he would do to Sarah if he found her with him). Maybe Spike had attacked Sarah’s Mother.
“Do you and your mother live in Harmony?” He asked Sarah.
“We live near Harmony.”
“Do you live in Castleton?”
“I’ve never heard of that place.”
“Well, where were you when your Mother disappeared?”
“Right over there under those trees. We were having a picnic. Oh, we still have some food left are you hungry?”
Marty realized that he hadn’t had any breakfast and was starving. He was still concerned about Spike but he let Sarah lead him to a blanket where what seemed to him a ton of food had been laid out. He sat down on the blanket and grabbed several sandwiches. Sarah sat next to him. He felt better with a full stomach.
“I’m sure your Mother will be back soon. But if she’s not, someone told me that the town is right over there in that direction. You can come with me and help me find my Mother. Then maybe she can help you find yours.”
“That would be great Marty!” And she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Marty blushed.
Suddenly a rabbit scampered across the clearing. “A bunny!!!” Sarah squealed in delight. She jumped up and chased after it.
Marty ran after her. “Sarah! Come back it might be dangerous out here.”
Marty might not have been so concerned if he had known that just the night before, Spike had decided that it was time to let him go. He no longer had the money to pay the goons it took to watch the kid. Imagine his surprise when he showed up at the safe house and found Marty already gone. Standing in the doorway to Marty’s bedroom, he just had to laugh. He found himself tapping out a not so familiar number on his cell.
“Yes, this is Spike and I need to talk to you. Can you meet me at the Book Café?”
Heckuba and “Uncle” Eustace had been watching the kids from the next clearing.
“Ooh, it looks like Sarah has a crush on Marty.”
“That can be nipped in the bud when the time comes.”
“So, you pulled Marty out of stir so he would take Sarah to Sheridan? Hm, but why would you need to do that, if the kid's in on it?”
“Would you just zip it! We need to be concentrating on what the kids are doing.”
“You mean the rabbit’s not part of the plan?”
“No you dolt; the rabbit is not part of the plan.”
“But why go to all this trouble if the kid’s in on it all we had to do was drop her on Sheridan’s door step… Oh my Merciful Hellions! She’s NOT in on it is she?”
The rabbit had stopped short of a cave and Sarah was closing in on it with Marty not far behind.
“She doesn’t even know that Gwen is her real Mother!”
“I am her REAL MOTHER! Now if you don’t shut your mouth this instant I will shut it for you!”
Eustace prudently didn’t give voice to his next thought: “I’ll bet Sarah has even more in common with Endora: Sarah is a GOOD WITCH!”
*
*
*
End of Episode 5
Friday, September 5, 2008
Episode 4: In Which Spike Hears Voices Fox Gets His Midnight Snack and the Demon Elf Takes a Tour
Episode 4
Spike was having a nightmare until the voice woke him up.
“What?” He sat up and asked, but he realized there was no one in his bedroom.
“I said: The part of Jessica Bennett will now be played once more by Mary Elizabeth Winsted.” Repeated the disembodied voice.
“Oh.” He laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. “What?!” He shouted as he sat bolt upright.
No answer.
Then he remembered that Jessica was what his nightmare had been about. In it, he had gotten her addicted to drugs and then made her walk the streets as a prostitute. While she slept, he had killed any john she managed to pick up, and made her believe she was responsible for the killings.
But that’s not what had happened in real life.
Yes, that’s exactly what Alistair Crane had originally hired him to do. But the Jessica Bennett he had met was far too self confident a young woman to be led down that path. The girl from his nightmare seemed like a completely different person.
Yes, she had been disappointed that her father had not put up more of a fight when her mother left the country with David Hastings and she had moved out of the Bennett house. She didn’t however wallow in self pity. She and Simone Russell had gotten jobs at the Book Café and moved into an apartment together. When Simone had met Rae, she moved in with them as well.
Thinking of all this had led him back to the problem he had been wrestling with since the end of the summer:
Where, was Alistair Crane?
The last time he had seen Alistair was when A. C. had left Marty with him on the platform in Rome and boarded the train. He had assured Spike that a way had been devised that would get him off the train in time. He never saw Alistair again. Could it be that the Old Man had finally out foxed himself and died at the hands of his own missile? Spike had no way of knowing.
What he did know was that after Theresa Crane had hired Jared Casey, he had discovered the accountant who covered all of the Old Man’s black ops and booted him out of the company.
Up until now, Spike had been able to cover the payroll of Alistair’s hirelings with an account that was so far off the books, even Casey could never find it. But that resource was almost tapped out.
“Well I guess I know what I gotta do.” And with that thought he drifted into a sound sleep with no nightmares.
Meanwhile deep underground, Heckuba is still giving the Demon Elf the grand tour of the Darkside’s new HQ in Harmony.
“So, let me get this straight: Sarah is Ethan and Gwen’s child but you called her your daughter?”
“Because I carried her in my womb and gave birth to her. Adam wasn’t the only one meddling with events here in Harmony during the time shift. I went back to that time in LA and magically transferred Sarah’s embryo into my womb right before Theresa and Gwen began to struggle on the walkway. So, when Gwen fell, everyone still believed she had had a miscarriage.
“So, you raised her?”
“Yes, in real time relative to the time shift; hidden all this time right here in the abandoned mines outside of Harmony. Naturally she absorbed magical energy from me.”
“Then she’s a witch?”
“Indeed and a very powerful one, I have trained her well. In fact that’s really the biggest reason the Boys changed their plans. They feel- - We feel Sarah could be just as powerful as Endora; if not more so.”
As they talked, they had been walking around the huge complex and now they found themselves back in front of the door to Heckuba’s chambers.
“So, what’s our next move?” Asked the Demon Elf.
“Well, my next move is to get some sleep, contrary to popular belief; there is rest for the wicked. As for Sarah, the time has come for her to see the world beyond these mines and to meet her real mother. Well her mortal one at least.”
“But how do you plan to…?”
“Good night Eustace.”
“Good night Madam.”
Fox was slumped crestfallen at the kitchen table over a bowl of Rice Krispies when Essme came bounding through Tabby’s back door.
“Hello everyone I have returned. Fox you’re alive.”
“That’s what people keep telling me.”
“Aw, why so glum chum?’
“You’re Essme right? Fancy’s friend.
Essme sat down at the table and saluted. “Present and accounted for sir.”
“Well apparently, I no longer have a fiancé because Kay found out about all the schemes I’ve been using to hold on to her and tomorrow when Tabitha finds out about it I won’t have a place to live.”
“It could be worse: You could be dead but don’t worry you’re not going to get shot this time.”
“Shot…this time…What?”
“You should only listen to about 40% of what I say. “It’s either because I’ve had too many meds or too few. I can’t remember which. That’s probably the problem.”
“I suppose I could go back to mansion to live.”
“Or you could come upstairs to my new room and make love to me.”
Fox dropped his spoon into his bowl.
“You’re serious?”
“Sure it will be refreshing to wake up to someone who’s still alive in the morning.”
“What?!”
“It’s that 60/40 thing again.” She started up the back stairs and turned back to him. “You coming?”
Fox hurriedly put his bowl in the sink and followed Essme to her bedroom. For the rest of the night Kay was the last thing on his mind.
In the living room, Kay and Miguel had finally exhausted all the questions they had for Adam and gone up stairs for a much deserved rest, leaving father and son alone again.
“Two more things dad and you can get back to your ski trip.”
“Very well, I take it you have something to show me.”
“First, this is a replica of Sam Bennett’s video camera from the alternate timeline. On it is a confession by Gwen and her mother of all of their crimes. And this is JT Cornell’s USB stick” As he spoke Adam brought the devices out from under the table. “I got it off him while I was impressing on him the need to leave town. I hear that he’s taken a position in a town called Springfield”
“And you did that for his safety no doubt?”
“Well technically he’s no longer in any danger now that Vincent isn’t a threat. I just didn’t think he had to know that.” Adam dropped the storage device on the floor and ground it under his heel. “And now Gwen and her mother won’t be able to find out about Juanita Vasquez and her connection to Pillar.”
“Son, I understand why you feel such a connection to Vincent: Both of you had such a bad relationship to your parent’s growing up.”
“Dad! You saw me as much you could even Mother popped in from time to time. Vincent never knew who his parents were.”
“Thank you for saying that son, but right now I’m more concerned with your involvement in this other mortal’s life.”
“Theresa? I just feel sorry for her.”
“If that’s all it is.”
“What else would it be…? Oh, Dad.”
“I’ll leave you with one more thought: During the timeshift, you had the chance to make sure Ethan found out the truth about Gwen and you didn’t do it. Why is that…? Just be careful son. You could be playing a dangerous game.”
“I love you Dad.”
The two men hugged and said their goodbyes. Adam covered the bowl, destroyed the remains of the USB device and took the video camera upstairs, finally ending his first night in Harmony.
*
*
*
End of Episode 4
Spike was having a nightmare until the voice woke him up.
“What?” He sat up and asked, but he realized there was no one in his bedroom.
“I said: The part of Jessica Bennett will now be played once more by Mary Elizabeth Winsted.” Repeated the disembodied voice.
“Oh.” He laid his head back on the pillow and closed his eyes. “What?!” He shouted as he sat bolt upright.
No answer.
Then he remembered that Jessica was what his nightmare had been about. In it, he had gotten her addicted to drugs and then made her walk the streets as a prostitute. While she slept, he had killed any john she managed to pick up, and made her believe she was responsible for the killings.
But that’s not what had happened in real life.
Yes, that’s exactly what Alistair Crane had originally hired him to do. But the Jessica Bennett he had met was far too self confident a young woman to be led down that path. The girl from his nightmare seemed like a completely different person.
Yes, she had been disappointed that her father had not put up more of a fight when her mother left the country with David Hastings and she had moved out of the Bennett house. She didn’t however wallow in self pity. She and Simone Russell had gotten jobs at the Book Café and moved into an apartment together. When Simone had met Rae, she moved in with them as well.
Thinking of all this had led him back to the problem he had been wrestling with since the end of the summer:
Where, was Alistair Crane?
The last time he had seen Alistair was when A. C. had left Marty with him on the platform in Rome and boarded the train. He had assured Spike that a way had been devised that would get him off the train in time. He never saw Alistair again. Could it be that the Old Man had finally out foxed himself and died at the hands of his own missile? Spike had no way of knowing.
What he did know was that after Theresa Crane had hired Jared Casey, he had discovered the accountant who covered all of the Old Man’s black ops and booted him out of the company.
Up until now, Spike had been able to cover the payroll of Alistair’s hirelings with an account that was so far off the books, even Casey could never find it. But that resource was almost tapped out.
“Well I guess I know what I gotta do.” And with that thought he drifted into a sound sleep with no nightmares.
Meanwhile deep underground, Heckuba is still giving the Demon Elf the grand tour of the Darkside’s new HQ in Harmony.
“So, let me get this straight: Sarah is Ethan and Gwen’s child but you called her your daughter?”
“Because I carried her in my womb and gave birth to her. Adam wasn’t the only one meddling with events here in Harmony during the time shift. I went back to that time in LA and magically transferred Sarah’s embryo into my womb right before Theresa and Gwen began to struggle on the walkway. So, when Gwen fell, everyone still believed she had had a miscarriage.
“So, you raised her?”
“Yes, in real time relative to the time shift; hidden all this time right here in the abandoned mines outside of Harmony. Naturally she absorbed magical energy from me.”
“Then she’s a witch?”
“Indeed and a very powerful one, I have trained her well. In fact that’s really the biggest reason the Boys changed their plans. They feel- - We feel Sarah could be just as powerful as Endora; if not more so.”
As they talked, they had been walking around the huge complex and now they found themselves back in front of the door to Heckuba’s chambers.
“So, what’s our next move?” Asked the Demon Elf.
“Well, my next move is to get some sleep, contrary to popular belief; there is rest for the wicked. As for Sarah, the time has come for her to see the world beyond these mines and to meet her real mother. Well her mortal one at least.”
“But how do you plan to…?”
“Good night Eustace.”
“Good night Madam.”
Fox was slumped crestfallen at the kitchen table over a bowl of Rice Krispies when Essme came bounding through Tabby’s back door.
“Hello everyone I have returned. Fox you’re alive.”
“That’s what people keep telling me.”
“Aw, why so glum chum?’
“You’re Essme right? Fancy’s friend.
Essme sat down at the table and saluted. “Present and accounted for sir.”
“Well apparently, I no longer have a fiancé because Kay found out about all the schemes I’ve been using to hold on to her and tomorrow when Tabitha finds out about it I won’t have a place to live.”
“It could be worse: You could be dead but don’t worry you’re not going to get shot this time.”
“Shot…this time…What?”
“You should only listen to about 40% of what I say. “It’s either because I’ve had too many meds or too few. I can’t remember which. That’s probably the problem.”
“I suppose I could go back to mansion to live.”
“Or you could come upstairs to my new room and make love to me.”
Fox dropped his spoon into his bowl.
“You’re serious?”
“Sure it will be refreshing to wake up to someone who’s still alive in the morning.”
“What?!”
“It’s that 60/40 thing again.” She started up the back stairs and turned back to him. “You coming?”
Fox hurriedly put his bowl in the sink and followed Essme to her bedroom. For the rest of the night Kay was the last thing on his mind.
In the living room, Kay and Miguel had finally exhausted all the questions they had for Adam and gone up stairs for a much deserved rest, leaving father and son alone again.
“Two more things dad and you can get back to your ski trip.”
“Very well, I take it you have something to show me.”
“First, this is a replica of Sam Bennett’s video camera from the alternate timeline. On it is a confession by Gwen and her mother of all of their crimes. And this is JT Cornell’s USB stick” As he spoke Adam brought the devices out from under the table. “I got it off him while I was impressing on him the need to leave town. I hear that he’s taken a position in a town called Springfield”
“And you did that for his safety no doubt?”
“Well technically he’s no longer in any danger now that Vincent isn’t a threat. I just didn’t think he had to know that.” Adam dropped the storage device on the floor and ground it under his heel. “And now Gwen and her mother won’t be able to find out about Juanita Vasquez and her connection to Pillar.”
“Son, I understand why you feel such a connection to Vincent: Both of you had such a bad relationship to your parent’s growing up.”
“Dad! You saw me as much you could even Mother popped in from time to time. Vincent never knew who his parents were.”
“Thank you for saying that son, but right now I’m more concerned with your involvement in this other mortal’s life.”
“Theresa? I just feel sorry for her.”
“If that’s all it is.”
“What else would it be…? Oh, Dad.”
“I’ll leave you with one more thought: During the timeshift, you had the chance to make sure Ethan found out the truth about Gwen and you didn’t do it. Why is that…? Just be careful son. You could be playing a dangerous game.”
“I love you Dad.”
The two men hugged and said their goodbyes. Adam covered the bowl, destroyed the remains of the USB device and took the video camera upstairs, finally ending his first night in Harmony.
*
*
*
End of Episode 4
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